Cars Now Being Sold Without Spare Tires

Posted By Norman Taylor & Associates || 22-Dec-2014

You're driving down the road when suddenly, you feel that one of your
tires has gone flat. While at first panicked, you breathe a sigh of relief,
knowing that your car came with a spare tire. Unfortunately for some car
buyers, this situation might play out a little differently.

Recent reports have announced that many, if not all, car companies are
choosing to forego the spare tire in place of an inflator kit. Out with
the old and with the new, all in an effort to increase fuel efficiency
and the mileage your car is getting out of each tank of gas. It certainly
sounds effective.

Furthermore, the ability to change a tire is quickly becoming a lost art.
Even for those who do know how to replace a flat, it's often much
easier to simply phone AAA or another roadside assistance company. So
isn't this proving that we're only becoming more innovative?

Drawbacks to Inflator Kits

Unfortunately, it's not quite as black and white as it seems. Inflator
kits sound like the futuristic and simplified way to fix a flat tire,
but this short-term fix won't work for every tire problem the same
way a spare might. Tires that experience significant damage beyond a simple
puncture will require a lot more than an inflator kit to get them ready
for the road again.

Many car dealers do provide spare tire kits, but these run upwards of $300.
It's a pricey solution for what was once already included in almost
all vehicles.

Whether you're a first time buyer or just in the market for a new car,
this information will serve you well as you hunt for the perfect purchase.
Check for a spare tire
before you drive it off the lot and don't assume that your sales associate
will tell you differently.

Consumer Reports tested numerous cars to find out which ones no longer
include a spare tire.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.